We’re here to help! These are common questions asked about our Conservatory programs. Please let us know if you have any further questions by contacting Jamie Brooke (she/they), Education Program Administrator, at Jamie@nctcsf.org or (415) 694-6159

DOES NCTC OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS, PAYMENT PLANS OR SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes, we do! Please complete our scholarship request form here. Payment plans are available through our online registration system. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively, so be sure to WAIT FOR A SCHOLARSHIP CODE BEFORE REGISTERING AND PAYING FOR A CLASS.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR FIRST-TIME STUDENTS AFTER REGISTRATION?
All first-time NCTC students will be scheduled for a new student interview two weeks prior to their first class. We use this meeting to get to know the students, make sure they are in the best class for their needs, answer any questions they may have and give a tour of the theatre facilities.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN EACH CLASS?
Class sizes range from 8-30 students depending on the age group and content. Please know class size maximums are enforced to ensure the best possible learning environment for your child. Register early to secure your spot.

WHO ARE THE TEACHING ARTISTS?
All of NCTC’s teachers are professional educators and artists who receive regular professional development. Click here for more information.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CLASS?
Students in all classes should wear clothes and shoes they are comfortable jumping, crawling and rolling in. Please no hats, costumes, or open-toed shoes. Hair should be pulled back and out of your child’s face. For those with longer classes or multiple classes in a day, you may want to pack a small snack and a water bottle. Please note: to ensure the safety of all of our students, we have a no-nut policy for both peanuts and tree-nuts (including hazelnut products such as Nutella.)

MAY I WATCH MY CHILD DURING CLASS?
We do not allow parents or other guests to observe class. This policy is to protect the privacy of your child and their classmates. We want the students to be focused on the instructors and feel free to take creative risks in a safe, trusting environment.

WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO MISS CLASS DUE TO AN ILLNESS OR PLANNED APPOINTMENT?
If your child is ill on the day of a class, contact Jamie Brooke (she/they), Education Program Administrator, at Jamie@nctcsf.org or (415) 694-6159

Attendance is very important for drama classes and having the whole team present each week really matters! If a student misses too many classes (due to illness, appointments, or vacation) we may need to scale back their participation, and in some cases, remove them from the final presentation. We want your child and their classmates to feel confident and prepared before going in front of an audience. Role re-assignments will be left up to the discretion of the teacher.

IS THERE A PLAY AT THE END OF CLASS?
NCTC is a process-based program focused on building theatre and life skills. Drama workshops do not always have final presentations. When we have culminating projects to share, family and friends will be invited on the last day of class.

IS THERE A PLACE I CAN WAIT WHILE MY CHILD IS IN CLASS?
Parents are welcome to wait in our main lobby during class, however, please know that you are responsible for any young children who are waiting with you and that our lobby is not baby-proof. Hayes Valley is a great place to go get a cup of coffee and/or get some work done.

CAN I DROP OFF MY STUDENT EARLY?
NCTC is unable to provide extended supervision before or after our classes. We staff our lobby fifteen minutes prior to and after each class. Please arrange for punctual drop off and pick up.

WHERE DO I PARK/DROP-OFF/PICK-UP?
There is metered street parking on our block. You might also have more luck if you go out a little further. If you plan on staying longer than a simple drop-off, there are two paid parking lots between Oak St. and Market St. There is a building-appointed security guard in the upper lobby.

Drop-off: If you choose, you may pull up in the bus stop, drop off your child and watch them run into the building. We will have them sign in once they arrive downstairs in the NCTC lower lobby.

Sign-in: All students are required to sign in and out at our lower lobby desk.

Pick-up: Most parents of our younger students choose to park and pick up their child from our lower lobby. Older students have the option of signing themselves out and waiting unsupervised in the upper, street-level lobby or waiting out front for pick up. We recommend them staying inside the building until they see your car pull up. Be wary of blocking the bus stop for too long or when a bus is coming, as you may be ticketed. Some parents choose to pull over in the alley on Hickory St. or Oak St. and text their child their location or have the child text them they are ready by the door. Do what works best for your family and your child.

WILL I BE ABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR FILM MY CHILD’S FINAL PRESENTATION?
NCTC does not allow photographs or video to be taken during any performance. We want you (and your fellow audience members) to be able to enjoy the performance as it’s happening–not through an iPhone screen. We also want our students to be able to focus on their performance and not be distracted by or feel self-conscious because of a roomful of cameras. So, go ahead and turn off your phones and enjoy your child’s performance in the moment..

HOW DO I GET MY FREE STUDENT TICKET TO A FAMILY MATINEE PRODUCTION?
All enrolled students receive one free ticket to each Family Matinee production of the season in which they are enrolled. Please contact the Box Office at 415.861.8972 or boxofffice@nctcsf.org to arrange for your complimentary ticket.

Learn more about our policies regarding payments, scholarships, and the Conservatory code of conduct.

PAYMENTS
NCTC accepts Visa/Mastercard through our online registration system. There is a registration fee of $1.99. Payment plans are available at the time of registration.

SCHOLARSHIPS
NCTC is proud to offer discounted rates and full scholarships to those who qualify. Click here for NCTC’s Financial Aid/Scholarship request form. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively, so be sure to WAIT FOR A SCHOLARSHIP CODE BEFORE REGISTERING AND PAYING FOR A CLASS.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
Tuition fees are non-refundable, non-transferrable.

NCTC reserves the right to cancel a class if enrollment is insufficient and any tuition and fees for those classes will be refunded in full. All dates, times, and programming are subject to change.

If you cancel registration prior to 10 days before the first class, you will be issued a tuition refund, minus a processing fee of 6.75% of your original payment.

If you cancel your registration within 10 days of the first class, there will be no refunds unless your spot can be filled by a student on the waiting list.

No refunds will be issued after the first day of class.

Tuition credits must be used for the same student within one year of the date issued and cannot be transferred to another person, including a family member. After one year of their issuance, credits will expire and no longer be available.

WHAT ARE YOUR COVID-19 POLICIES?
Families are expected to self-screen for any COVID-19 symptoms prior to arrival and stay home if they are sick. Parents are also expected to report any COVID-19 exposures or positive testing for their child.

NCTC’s ventilation system exceeds approved ACH (air change per-hour) standards and our air filtering exceeds approved MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) standards. NCTC follows the guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control, the California Department of Public Health, the San Francisco Public Health Department for in-person activities.

WHAT IF A CLASS OR SESSION IS CANCELED DUE TO COVID?
If a student misses a class due to COVID or NCTC determines the need to shut down a class due to health concerns for the group (either from positive testing or the need to isolate,) NCTC will not issue any refunds or credits for classes missed.

CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to provide students, staff and guests with a safe and supportive environment, we do not tolerate any form of physical or verbal abuse, nor any form of harassment, vandalism, or the use of illegal substances. No refunds will be issued to students who are removed from the program due to violations of the Code of Conduct.

NCTC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, families, guests and all members of our staff.

CONTACT
Contact Jamie Brooke (she/they), Education Program Administrator, at Jamie@nctcsf.org or (415) 694-6159

Students

“NCTC let me meet new friends and learn new acting tricks I will take with me forever.” – Nina O.

“I love it here. It’s like a family” – Jason S.

“I didn’t realize how fun acting was until I came to NCTC.” – Meghan W.

“My time at NCTC for the past 5 years has been some of the best years of my life. Everyone is so nice and caring. I will never forget the times and memories that I’ve had here.” – Maria

“I always find myself looking forward to going to NCTC.” – Maya W.

“NCTC is one of the most welcoming and supportive communities I’ve been a part of, because they created an environment where I could freely express myself and have fun with some amazing friends.” – Jemma F.

Parents

“I was impressed by how my daughter opened up and felt so comfortable around other kids she just met for the first time. I learned that she wasn’t as shy as I thought she was. It was a great opportunity and I look forward to her joining other productions in the future.” – Kevin O.

“NCTC embraces the diversity this mom speaks about while being able to express yourself without judgment.” – April W.

“Your class seemed to ignite a spark in her. My daughter absolutely loved it and it truly ignited a confidence and passion in her that we/she didn’t know she had. We are super excited to see her come out of her shell more and work hard and take part in more shows.” – Tracey M.

“Participating in theater at NCTC has been positively transformative for our child. It has helped him develop socially and to come out of his shell, and taught him to negotiate, compromise, improvise, cooperate — all useful skills — not to mention being tremendous fun! An added benefit is that our child loves theater now and enjoys going to plays with us in San Francisco and when we travel. I can’t think of a better and more enriching way for him to spend his time — we’ve been thrilled with NCTC! Highly recommended!” – Eve L.

“This was the best theater experience my daughter has had yet in the city. She loved the camp and wants to stay in community with NCTC!!! This is the real deal. Lights, sound, direction, choreography, props/costume, backstage you name it NCTC has it + great communication and care from the staff and instructors.We look forward to joining y’all in the fall, spring or again next summer.” -Brette H.